Xabi Alonso has been the frontrunner to replace Jürgen Klopp at Anfield after the Liverpool boss announced last week that he will be leaving at the end of the season
Xabi Alonso was installed as the bookies’ favorite to replace Jürgen Klopp at Anfield
Liverpool continues its search for Jürgen Klopp’s successor with two new names emerging on the betting shortlist. Klopp announced on Friday that he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season.
The news saw speculation immediately ramped up over who will replace him, with ex-Anfield midfielder Xabi Alonso the favorite as he continues to impress with Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso\’s side is top of the Bundesliga and is on course to pip Bayern Munich to the title after an unbeaten campaign to date.
There have been reports of a clause in his Leverkusen contract, allowing him to join one of his former clubs at the end of the season. Those claims have since been dismissed and it remains to be seen if Liverpool will make its move.
He remains the bookmakers’ favorite but below him there has been a bit of a shake-up in the market. Tottenham Hotspur\’s boss Ange Postecoglu has slipped to 14/1, while Germany\’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann has climbed to 12/1 from 16/1.
Even though Klopp\’s right-hand man, Pep Lijnders, will be leaving with him at the end of the season, he\’s still in the running. His odds have improved to 8/1 from 10/1.
Yet the two new names of Roger Schmidt and Rúben Amorim have entered the market. The pair are currently battling for top spot in Portugal, with Amorim\’s Sporting CP leading Benfica, who are managed by Schmidt.Amorim is currently seen as the sixth-favourite to take over from Klopp at the end of the season while Schmidt is priced at 22/1, behind the likes of Thomas Frank and Zinedine Zidane.
Latest odds for Liverpool\’s new manager (Odds via SkyBet)
Xabi Alonso – 2/5
Roberto De Zerbi – 6/1
Pep Lijnders – 8/1
Julian Nagelsmann – 12/1
Ange Postecoglou – 14/1
Rúben Amorim – 14/1
Thomas Frank – 16/1
Steven Gerrard – 20/1
Unai Emery – 20/1
Xavi Hernandez – 20/1
Zinedine Zidane – 20/1
Roger Schmidt – 22/1
Graham Potter – 25/1
Liverpool.com says: There is no doubt Liverpool will have already started its search for Klopp\’s successor but it is vital that time is taken to ensure this is the right appointment. Amorim and Schmidt have both done impressive work in Portugal and could be strong contenders.
That said, it appears Xabi Alonso is the overwhelming favorite to return to Anfield. The Spaniard is working wonders with Leverkusen and while he insists his focus remains on his current club, the lure of the Liverpool job may prove too much to turn down.